Antigenic Unit

Antigenic unit (AU) is a conventional unit of measurement used to estimate the concentration of antigens in the test sample. It allows you to compare the results of studies conducted in different laboratories and on different instruments.

Antigens are molecules that trigger an immune response in the body. They can be either beneficial (such as proteins found in vaccines) or harmful (such as bacteria and viruses). The antigenic unit is used to determine the number of antigens present in a sample and their activity.

To carry out analysis of the antigenic unit, special devices are used - antigen detectors. They determine the concentration of antigen in a sample and display the result in antigenic units.

For example, if the antigenic unit is 1, this means that the sample contains one antigen per billion cells. If the antigenic unit is greater than 1, this means that the sample contains more than one antigen per billion cells, and may cause an immune reaction.

In general, the antigenic unit is an important tool for examining antigens and determining their quantity and activity in samples.

An antigenic unit (or AUE) is a conventional unit used to estimate the amount of antigens contained in a test sample of material. This is an important parameter when conducting tests for the presence of infection or determining the patient's status.

Antigens are molecules that trigger the body's immune response and are involved in defense reactions against infections. In the human body, antigens are constantly changing and being updated - this process is called antigenic variability.

Understanding this process helps explain why vaccines can induce immunity to certain infections. For example, if the body was once exposed to a certain antigen and developed resistance to it through vaccination against a particular infection, then upon repeated exposure the body will quickly respond to that antigen, providing protection against infection.

However, some viruses and bacteria also have antigenic variability and can mutate, which leads to a change in their composition, and hence the formation of new antigens. Thus, the presence of antibodies in the immune system does not guarantee effective treatment for the disease. On the contrary, it may be the cause of vaccine failure and increased risks of reinfection.